After much anticipation, a touch of uncertainty regarding the release date (and Valve's quirky new calendar), Crownfall Act III has finally arrived. The update dropped around 4pm PDT, coinciding with the end of the day at Valve’s Seattle offices, and it’s safe to say this update is massive.
Valve hasn’t held back with this update. First and foremost, players can dive into a new map progression for Crownfall Act III. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg—Valve has added a fully functional Street Fighter parody within the game, aptly named Sleet Fighter II. This addition celebrates the snowy ambiance of Crownfall Act III in a whimsical and entertaining manner.
In addition to the gameplay enhancements, Valve has introduced 16 new Collector’s Cache Sets, which were selected by players earlier in the year. These sets are of top-notch quality, featuring standout designs such as the Ardalan Arms Race Snapfire and the Ultra Rare Aberrant Observer Pudge, complete with a striking eyeball and face in his gut. Notably, players also have the chance to acquire the Fem Anti-Mage persona alongside the Proselyte of the Sakura Clan set.
The update also includes the third comic installment in the Crownfall saga, enriching the lore and narrative depth of the game. Moreover, Valve has enhanced the Crownfall board with stunning pixel art, showcasing the snow-covered landscapes of Frosts of Icewrack. This setting is home to iconic heroes like Tusk, Winter Wyvern, and Crystal Maiden, each depicted with intricate animations and immersive details.
For those seeking more challenges, Crownfall Act III introduces two new Pathfinder quests: The Lost Ziggurat and the Call of Ugnattu. To embark on these quests, players will need to acquire the Icewrack Pathfinder Pack, ensuring there’s plenty of content to explore and conquer.
Valve has extended the duration of the Crownfall event until October, allowing players ample time to delve into the new content, even overlapping with The International 13. With the next Crownfall expansion likely not arriving until late August, players have a window to accumulate tokens and prepare for the ultimate showdown with Queen Imperia.
Overall, Valve continues to push boundaries with the Crownfall series, consistently delivering engaging content and surprises. While previous updates were well-received, Crownfall Act III sets a new standard with its breadth of content and imaginative additions.
For players and fans of Dota 2, Crownfall Act III promises an extended adventure filled with challenges, rewards, and memorable experiences. As the journey unfolds, anticipation builds for what lies ahead in the ever-expanding world of Crownfall.